Treating Leather Seats
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,191
Likes: 53
From: Tucson Arizona
I use Lexol cleaner every six months and Lexol conditioner every 3 months on all my cars that have leather seats for years. It is used by a lot of good detailers and restorers for leather seats. You must use a conditioner after using a leather cleaner. Keeps them from drying out and cracking and keeps them feeling and looking like new.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 202
From: Long Beach California
I've always used Lexol, but when I submitted a similar post awhile back, a few people argued that Corvette seats are covered in a plastic-like protective film and don't need leather conditioner...that it could actually do harm.
So what's the truth?
So what's the truth?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,191
Likes: 53
From: Tucson Arizona
The first picture I took last year of the seats in my 2001 convert that had been cleaned and treated with Lexol cleaner and conditioner. The second picture is from a couple of years ago of my C4 convert that had been cleaned and conditioned using Lexol for years. I now also use it on my C6 convert with no problem and still looks new.
Last edited by RJRSW; Nov 26, 2011 at 01:42 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,537
Likes: 1
From: Southlake Texas
Exactly what you were told. Leathers used in GM automotive upholstery have been sealed for years (since 1980s) with Urethane. Leather conditioners shouldn't be used and will damage the reformulated oils in the leather if they penetrate the Urethane coating through cuts.
Life Time NCM #2196
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 82,599
Likes: 1,717
From: Converse TX
I use Lexol monthly on our seats, first the cleaner and follow by the conditor, with two tone seats, doing the cleaning monthly has helped the drivers seat still look good after 3 years and 33k on the clock
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,191
Likes: 53
From: Tucson Arizona
Cleaner:
http://www.acdelcochemicalcatalogue....page=7&search=
Conditioner:
http://www.acdelcochemicalcatalogue....page=7&search=
Quote from Conditioner Link above: "Leather and Vinyl Conditioner is specially formulated to replenish oils after cleaning with cleaners"
Last edited by RJRSW; Nov 26, 2011 at 01:32 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 13
From: Laguna Woods, CA
That doesn't agree with GM's own suggested products for the care of GM leather seats:
Cleaner:
http://www.acdelcochemicalcatalogue....page=7&search=
Conditioner:
http://www.acdelcochemicalcatalogue....page=7&search=
Quote from Conditioner Link above: "Leather and Vinyl Conditioner is specially formulated to replenish oils after cleaning with cleaners"
Cleaner:
http://www.acdelcochemicalcatalogue....page=7&search=
Conditioner:
http://www.acdelcochemicalcatalogue....page=7&search=
Quote from Conditioner Link above: "Leather and Vinyl Conditioner is specially formulated to replenish oils after cleaning with cleaners"
However, the fact that many people have been successful with other leather products (I used Classique on my Lotus Esprit) indicates that they aren't detrimental to the leather either.
I'm sticking with a damp sponge with a little soap until I need something with more cleaning and protecting power. Then I'll probably go with the GM authorized products, which is probably a Lexol-type product anyway ;o)
Thanks for the feedback,
GP
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,537
Likes: 1
From: Southlake Texas
That doesn't agree with GM's own suggested products for the care of GM leather seats:
Cleaner:
http://www.acdelcochemicalcatalogue....page=7&search=
Conditioner:
http://www.acdelcochemicalcatalogue....page=7&search=
Quote from Conditioner Link above: "Leather and Vinyl Conditioner is specially formulated to replenish oils after cleaning with cleaners"
Cleaner:
http://www.acdelcochemicalcatalogue....page=7&search=
Conditioner:
http://www.acdelcochemicalcatalogue....page=7&search=
Quote from Conditioner Link above: "Leather and Vinyl Conditioner is specially formulated to replenish oils after cleaning with cleaners"
As you observed, the top surface of Corvette leather is sealed with Urethane to prevent the oils from drying out or being exposed to the environment (including cleaners that are applied to the leather). How are you going to replenish something that is sealed and not lost? Does it replace all those Vinyl and plastic oils also. Companies and vendors sell you lots of stuff because it makes them money. That doesn't mean the product is needed and/or useful.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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Whatever the "pleather" seats are made out of, I have been using leather cleaners and conditioners on every C4, C5 and C6 I have ever owned and they stay in absolutely brand new condition. My favorites are Zaino Z9/Z10 or Lexol. Neither has ever caused any damage to any of the seats. They maintain a factory new appearance.
eddie
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,191
Likes: 53
From: Tucson Arizona
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
don't be. it's really kinda like the "which header is best" discussion. everyone has their opinion.
but, the what garibaldi is doing makes the most sense in that, do the least possible until you need to do more.
in fact, more than one good source on here from years ago has said the seats are coated. so, using various great products may or may not have any beneficial effect---what you don't want to do is have a negative effect. thus, the "do-as-little-as-is-necessary," philosophy makes sense.
from the testimonials on this thread, it would appear that the most-named products (Zaino, Meguiars's, Lexol, etc.) don't have a negative effect. they may even have some beneficial effect. but the question is, if actually coated, are they needed?
and like the headers controversy, that can only be answered by you since it's your car.
but, the what garibaldi is doing makes the most sense in that, do the least possible until you need to do more.
in fact, more than one good source on here from years ago has said the seats are coated. so, using various great products may or may not have any beneficial effect---what you don't want to do is have a negative effect. thus, the "do-as-little-as-is-necessary," philosophy makes sense.
from the testimonials on this thread, it would appear that the most-named products (Zaino, Meguiars's, Lexol, etc.) don't have a negative effect. they may even have some beneficial effect. but the question is, if actually coated, are they needed?
and like the headers controversy, that can only be answered by you since it's your car.
